Removable and reusable insulation wrap for pipe, hoses, and fixtures

ABSTRACT

A reusable insulation wrap may include a multilayer insulation member having at least one stretchable layer adapted to resist moisture and sized to closely wrap around an article, at least one insulative layer adapted to accommodate deformation of the at least one stretchable layer, and at least one protective layer adapted to be abrasion and moisture resistant and prevent damage to at least one of the at least one stretchable layer and the at least one insulative layer. A releasable fastener may be configured to close the multilayer insulation member in releasable engagement around the article; whereby, the wrap may be configured to stretch around and fit snugly on the article.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/204,667 entitled Removable and Reusable Insulation Wrap for Pipe,Hoses, and Fixtures, which was filed Mar. 11, 2014 and was co-pendingwith the present application. U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/204,667 is hereby incorporated in its entirety into the presentapplication.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a removable and reusable apparatus forinsulating and protecting pipes, hoses, and fixtures from theenvironment, more specifically the invention is directly related toprotecting pipes, hoses, and fixtures from unwanted thermal exchangewith the environment including preventing liquids from freezing andpotentially damaging the pipes, hoses, and fixtures. More particularly,the invention relates to an apparatus that may comprise an integratedinsulation system combining multiple layers of protection and insulationand commercially available fasteners, allowing a user to securely wrappipes, hoses, and fixtures to protect the pipes, hoses, and fixturesfrom freezing in cold weather and prevent moisture from reaching thepipes, hoses, and fixtures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for insulating pipes, hoses, andtheir associated fixtures that carry fluids in residential, commercial,and industrial areas, thereby protecting them from unwanted thermaltransfer including freezing and rupturing during cold weather andpreventing other types of damage such as corrosion caused by theexposure to water. More particularly, the invention relates to aremovable and reusable apparatus having an integrated insulation systemand fasteners, where the integrated insulation system may have multiplelayers including but not limited to at least an abrasion resistantlayer, a protective layer, a reflective layer, and insulative layerwherein this apparatus is placed around the pipe and hosing and theirfixtures and may be held in position using fasteners such as a hook andloop fastener, thereby facilitating the removable and reuse of theapparatus during the inspection and repairs while protecting the pipes,hoses, and fixtures from the extremes of the environment.

One specific use of the invention relates to insulating pipes, hoses,and fixtures in the oil and gas industry. One issue with hydrocarbonrecovery is preventing pipes carrying fluids from freezing and rupturingbecause the fluids contained within the pipes can be a mixture of freshwater, salt water, oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and other chemicalused for hydrocarbon production. This issue has plagued the oil and gasindustry for many years. Two issues arise as liquids approach theirfreezing point. First, as the temperature approaches the freezing point,liquids increase in viscosity thus slowing the overall movement of theliquid, increasing transportation expense. Second, some liquids expandupon freezing, which may cause problems ranging from simply compromisingthe integrity of the pipe, hoses, and fixtures, which may have futureconsequences, to rupturing the pipes, hoses, and fixtures thus shuttingdown the well site and causing a loss of production. This loss ofproduction affects the well site owner monetarily. It is well known inthe industry that insulating the pipes and fixtures may minimize andprevent these problems. However, the use of tape and insulation toprotect the pipes, hoses, and fixtures, which are neither elegant noreffective solutions have created another set of problems.

Conventional taping methods to insulate pipe produce mediocre results atbest, but taping can also trap and hold moisture between the insulationand the pipes, hoses, and fixtures creating an ideal environment forcorrosion to occur. Additionally, repairing pipes, hoses, and fixturescan be time consuming and costly. The technician must remove all theassociated insulation and tape for the affected area, which typicallydestroys the insulation or reduces its effectiveness making it unusablein the future, clean the affected area, replace the appropriate pipe orfixture and install new insulation and tape. Once again, the pipes,hoses, and fixtures are not fully protected after the repair from theenvironment because this method does not prevent moisture or temperatureintrusion because of the irregular shapes of many of the fixtures andusing tape as sealing device. Several patents have attempted to addressthese issues.

It is well known in the industry there are generally two types ofinsulting systems; first, rigid to semi-rigid type; and second, aflexible type, which is more form fitting. U.S. Pat. No. 3,724,491 toKnudsen teaches a rigid shell with two mating sections, each sectionconstructed with inner and outer metallic sheeting walls having aninsulation material therebetween, where the sections are connected usingscrews, thus providing some protection from the environment. However,this invention does not prevent moisture from entering through the seamsor screw attachment points thus minimizing or eliminating corrosion noris it flexible enough to be applied to hoses.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,248 to Hepner teaches two semi-cylindrical pieces ofpipe insulation secured to a longitudinally flexible outer covercomprised of aluminum foil-backed fiberglass laminate that acts as ahinge and has an overlapping longitudinal flap with adhesive to preventseparation once the two halves surrounding the pipe have been broughttogether. However, this invention does not address reusability after theinitial installation because the insulation may be destroyed whileseparating the adhesive strip and the adhesive may lose itseffectiveness overtime and after multiple reinstallations due to itsexposure to the environment. Additionally, this invention is onlyflexible around the hinge point thus only can be used on rigid pipeinstallations.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,669 to Prestige Sr. teaches a removable reusablehinged insulating unit with a flexible hollow body and insulating wallswherein the unit has a parting line along its length allowing the unitto be separated at the top in order to envelop the pipe or fixture. Oncethe unit is placed around the pipe or fixture, the top of the unit isbrought together and closed using hook and loop fasteners. In order tocreate this seal, the invention requires accurate measurements of thepipe or fixture wherein each insulator is specific to a pipe or fixture.Furthermore, due to the rigidity required for the air tight seal, theinvention is only flexible around the hinge point during installationthus it can only be used on rigid pipe installations.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,415 to Nicholson teaches multi-piece rigid plasticremovable and reusable insulation jacket for insulation of pipe orfixtures. Nicholson further teaches the use of the air space between thefixture and the insulation jacket creating substantially all of theinsulation value of the insulation system. However, this invention usesambient air as an insulator wherein as the air temperature drops belowfreezing and stays there for a significant amount of time, the ambientair temperature will fall below freezing causing the pipes to freeze,and accessing the pipes or fixtures during low temperatures by removingtheir covers will expedite this process.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,287 to Terito, Jr., teaches a removable reusableinsulating unit that is a semi-rigid hollow body capable of being easilycut. Terito further teaches an insulating unit capable of insulating avariety of pipe sizes and fixtures by cutting the insulation to matchthe component to be insulated. However, this invention only addressedthe reusability of the insulation on the same component it did notaddress the portability of the insulating unit to a similar type unitwhich may have some physical differences that may reduce the overalleffectiveness of the insulation.

U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0106094 to Purdon teaches a shell type fittingcover made from a polymer or flexible thermoplastic material and gasketfor preventing water intrusion. However, this invention is limited toangled pipe joints and uses the cover to protect the existinginsulation. It does not address the complete access required to repairthe pipe and fixtures since the insulation is not integrated into thesystem.

The rigid to semi-rigid type inventions have some common shortcomingssuch as the prevention of moisture getting to the pipes, hoses, orfixtures, preventing the outside environment from intruding, and limitedto fixed rigid plumbing installations. To address these problems, theother inventions described above chosen to tailor each insulation unitto a specific pipe or fixture where it added additional costs due toadditional assets required and limited flexibility. Therefore, describedbelow is the current invention's attempt to overcome these abovedescribed limitations by using flexible form fitting types of pipe andfixture insulation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,082 to Riley teaches a removable flexible thermalinsulating jacket that conforms generally to the shape of the valves andfittings and is secured in place using drawstrings. Even though thedrawstrings are tightly drawn this does not prevent moisture fromentering where they are used thus enhancing the corrosion possibility.Additionally, the use of drawstrings in harsh environments such as iceand freezing temperatures may cause the strings to deterioraterelatively quickly or completely fail during removal and reuse thusrequiring constant replacement and a significant supply of material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,394 to Nygaard teaches a reusable single layerfiberglass mat insulation jacket to wrap the valve and fittings andprevent individuals from being harmed by extremely hot or coldtemperatures of the valve and fittings. However, this invention does notcreate an effective seal to prevent moisture intrusion nor is itflexible enough to be applied to hoses. Additionally, the invention issusceptible to degradation because of ultraviolet (UV) rays exposure.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,846 to Knittel teaches a flexible preformed pipeinsulation sleeve having a longitudinal slit, allowing it to be placedover the pipe and the slit is closed using an adhesive. When twosections come together on a long pipe, a method to join the ends must beused and the common approach is to use tape spiraling from one sectionacross the joint and down the next section with a sufficient amountcoverage to attach both sections together making a single longitudinalpiece of insulation that may prevent moisture intrusion. However, thisinvention does not address reusability after the initial installationbecause the insulation may be destroyed while separating the adhesiveand the joints. Additionally, the adhesive and tape may lose theireffectiveness overtime and after multiple reinstallations due to theirexposure to the environment, specifically the UV environment.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,907,907 to Maida teaches a removable and reusableflexible pipe valve insulation cover designed to cover and maintain theposition of a separate removable insulation covering the pipe andfixtures. However, it only maintains position and does not prevent waterintrusion and does protect from UV rays.

The present invention overcomes these shortcomings in the prior art byproviding a simple apparatus for insulating pipes, hoses, and fixtures.The simple apparatus is water resistant through the flexibility andstretchability of the apparatus such that the apparatus fits snuglyaround the pipes, hoses, and fixtures thereby preventing water intrusionand minimizing corrosion. Additionally, the apparatus is flame resistantdue flame retardant chemicals added to the neoprene, UV resistant due toUV protection chemicals added to the neoprene. Furthermore, theapparatus provides sufficient flexibility to protect non-rigid pipingand hoses such as hydraulic hoses while maintaining the moisture andinsulation protection. The present invention fulfills a need for aremovable and reusable insulation apparatus protecting pipes, hoses, andfixtures from unwanted thermal transfer including freezing temperaturesand harsh weather conditions.

There have thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafterand which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in this application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily beutilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, andsystems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention.Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which the present inventionrelates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment andthe appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded asincluding such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not departfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application. The abstract is neither intended to define theinvention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reusable insulation wrap according tothe present invention.

FIG. 2 is an uninstalled view of a wrap for an elbow pipe fitting.

FIG. 3 is an installed view with a wrap on an elbow.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a wrap for a straight pipe.

FIG. 5 is a top view a wrap with a cutout for a water meter.

FIG. 6A is a top view of a wrap with a protection housing for a checkvalve.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the wrap with a protection housing for a checkvalve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reusable multi-layer insulation wrap100 highlighting the following layers: a pair of protective layers 102disposed on both sides of a pair of stretchable layers 104, andtherebetween an insulative layer 108. In this embodiment, protectivelayers 102 are permanently affixed to both sides of the stretchablelayer 104. As can be seen in the figure, there are two sets of thestretchable layers 104 and protective layers 102 on opposing sidessandwiching the insulative layer 108 therein. The insulative layer 108is surrounded on all sides by the protective layers 102 and stretchablelayers 104. The insulative layer 108 is free-floating inside the pocketcreated therein by the protective layers 102 and the stretchable layers104 and is maintained in it a desired position as described below inFIG. 4. The floating insulative layer accommodates overall stretching ofthe wrap but the relative inelasticity of the insulative layer.

The protective layer 102 is selected from materials that are abrasionand moisture resistant to prevent damage to the other layers. In apreferred embodiment, the protective layers 102 may consist of an innerand outer layer wherein nylon may be permanently affixed to both sidesof the stretchable layer 104. Additionally, the inner or outer layers102 may use different materials depending on the operating environment.For example, nylon may be used for the inner layer and a coatedfiberglass fabric, such as a high elastic silica coated fiberglassfabric, may be used for the outer layer allowing one skilled in the artto tailor the protective layer characteristics to the operatingenvironment and provide differing levels of protection based on costsand desired characteristics including but not limited to ultra-violetprotection, flame retardant, abrasion resistance, and thermal transferprevention. Other materials known to one skilled in the art can be usedto perform this function such as protective fabrics orabrasion-resistant fabrics. Additionally, the environment where theinsulation wrap is to be used and the type of insulative layer maydetermine the number and type of protective layers needed. The preferredmaterial for the stretchable layer 104 is chloroprene, though oneskilled in the art may select other materials such as natural rubber oranother polymer based material including isobutylene and isoprene. Oneskilled in the art may select an insulative layer 108 from elastomericfoam, closed-cell foam, an open-cell foam, wool, cellulose, fiberglass,bubble wrap, and polyurethane. In a preferred embodiment, an insulativelayer 108 uses an open-cell for this specific application and morespecifically, the open-cell foam is selected from a family of aerogels.

Aerogel is an ultralight, low density, and low thermal conductivitymaterial derived from a gel. An aerogel is created by removing theliquid in the gel by processes such as evaporation and supercriticaldrying. Once the liquid is removed from the gel, the remaining materialis the aerogel. Aerogels may be derived from materials including but notlimited to silica, carbon, and alumina. The choice of aerogel to be usedis based on the properties desired by the user. For industrialapplications, aerogels may come in sheets or in the form of a blanket tobe cut to size. For example, Aspen Aerogels produces a family ofaerogels, which includes Cryogel®, Cryogel Z®, Pyrogel®, and Spaceloft®wherein the type of aerogel selected may be based on the operatingenvironment and desired application of the user. One skilled in the artmay select an insulative layer 108 from the family of aerogels to meettheir insulative requirements.

Additional layers may be added to the multi-layer insulation memberincluding but not limited to a reflective layer 106 wherein thisreflective layer 106 can be a foil, a coated plastic film, and areflective fabric. The reflective layer 106 may be free floating insidethe pocket as is the closed-cell foam 108, the reflective layer 106 maybe permanently affixed to the closed-cell foam 108 or the reflectivelayer may be affixed to the layers comprising the pocket. In thepreferred embodiment, the reflective layer 106 is a foil, which ispermanently affixed to the closed-cell foam insulative layer 108. Thereflective layer 106 reflects sunlight and other potentially harmfulelectromagnetic radiation away from the insulative layer 108 in order toprevent its premature degradation. Additionally, the reflective layer106 prevents the pipes from being heated by sunlight during the summerand also helps retain the heat of the fluid going through the pipesduring the winter, thereby helping to prevent the pipes from freezing.

The multi-layer insulation member is preferably affixed at the edges onall the sides, thus encapsulating the internal layers such as thereflective layer 106 and insulative layer 108. The multi-layerinsulation member may have incorporated into it the ability to replacethe internal layers. Additionally, if the external layers, which includethe protective layer 102 and stretchable layer 104, have been damaged,this access allows the internal layers to be removed and reused againwith another protective layer 102, and stretchable layer 104. Access tothe internal layers can be through one of the sides, edges, or through aspecially designed opening that will be described in FIG. 4. With any ofthese options for replacing the different layers, an accompaniedfastener must be attached so to maintain the integrity of the reusableinsulation 100, during normal operations.

Additionally, other features may be included in a reusable insulationwrap 100. One of these features is the addition of a flame retardant toone of the layers since one of the likely places that this insulationmay be used is with pipes containing flammable hydrocarbons. Operatorsin the oil field typically wear flame retardant material at the wellsites and any material used at the well site should include some typeflame of retardant in case of an accident involving fire. Anotherfeature is the addition of ultraviolet protection to one of the layersso to minimize the degradation of the insulation wrap 100 due to theconstant exposure to sunshine. Additionally, adding a reflectivematerial 110 to the external side of the insulation wrap 100 tohighlight the protected pipes is desirable because many operations at awell site occur during the night and it is likely that operators mayinadvertently trip and injure themselves without some type of indicationwhere the pipes are located.

The insulation wrap 100 may be placed on a fixed pipe, stretchedsufficiently to provide a snug fit around the pipe and prevent orminimize any outside environmental influences such as temperaturefluctuations, moisture, and debris. To one skilled in the art, it wouldbe straightforward to use the insulation wrap on fixed pipes, pipefixtures, and other equipment related to the field. One otherapplication of the reusable insulation wrap is not only for rigid andsemi-rigid piping and its associated fixtures but also on flexible tubesand hoses. The stretchable layer, 104, allows sufficient flexibility tocover a hose such that when the hose is moved and contorted, the wrapstays in place providing constant protection as is done on rigid pipes.An example of this application would be to apply the insulation wrap 100to hydraulic hoses on vehicles operating in colder climates and athigher elevations.

FIG. 2 is the view of a 90-degree elbow wrap 200, before itsinstallation on an elbow pipe fitting. In a preferred embodiment, theelbow wrap 200, uses hook 204 and loop 202 fasteners as the releasablefasteners attached at the edges. One skilled in the art may usedifferent types of releasable fasteners such as zippers, snaps, hook andloop fasteners, magnets, curtain fasteners, hook and eye fasteners,buckles, and buttons and hereinafter incorporated by reference. The hook204 and loop 202 portions are brought together to fasten the wrap aroundthe elbow 300 snugly in order to hold it in place and maintain itsdesired position. Preferably edging 206 is affixed to all the externaledges in order to prevent the protective layer 102, and the stretchablelayer 104 from being damaged.

FIG. 3 shows the elbow wrap 200 installed on an elbow fitting 300 withpipes 302 connecting to the 90-degree elbow fitting 300. The hook 204and loop 202 portions are brought together while stretching the wrapsnugly around the elbow fitting to prevent intrusion of debris,moisture, and to minimize the effects of temperature fluctuations.Protecting an elbow fitting 300 from physical damage is one applicationof the insulation wrap.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the insulation wrap for a straight pipe. Thiswrap can be made in various lengths and circumferences depending on thepipe and the user's requirements. The straight pipe wrap 400 ispreferably rectangular. As described earlier the insulation layer 108may be positioned between two protective layers 102 and stretchablelayers 104. The insulation layer 108 may be maintained in the desiredposition using stitching 402, which is designed to limit the movement ofthe reflective layer 106 and the insulative layer 108, which areexpected, but not required, to be relatively inelastic compared to theelastic and protective layers. One skilled in the art may use othermethods to maintain the internal layers in the desired position such asat least one fastener penetrating more than one of the layers to retainthe insulative 108 and reflective 106 layers in relative positionvis-à-vis the relatively more elastic layers.

As described earlier regarding FIG. 1, FIG. 4 may have a pocket opening404 enabling the removal and replacement of the insulative layer 108and/or the reflective layer 106. The pocket opening 404 has a pocketfastener 406 that allows a user to seal the opening after the insulativelayer 108 or reflective layer 106 have been reinstalled. In thisembodiment, the preferred releasable fastener for the pocket opening 404is hook 204 and loop 202 portions but one skilled in the art may useother releasable fasteners such as zippers, snaps, magnets, curtainfasteners, hook and eye fasteners, buckles, and buttons. Additionally, astraight pipe wrap 400 may include a heating element positioner 408.This positioner 408 is designed to maintain a heating element in adesired location near or against a pipe, for example to prevent the pipefrom freezing or a liquid from becoming more viscous than desired as aresult of heat loss. The type of heating element that may be used willdepend on the area of the country, the availability of resources such asliquids and gases. Another consideration for a user is the cost for theparticular type of heating element selected. The heating element maycome from either electric, liquid or a gas wherein the liquid and gasare heated and may be circulated through a closed system following thesame path of the pipe to be protected. Based on the heating elementselected, a heating element positioner 408 may be attached to thestraight pipe wrap 400. The positioner 408 can be a sewn-in pocketwherein the tubing or the electric heating element may be slid throughand maintained in a desired location by the positioner 408. Othermethods for maintaining the heating element in a desired location mayinclude other releasable fasteners known to one skilled in the art andare herein incorporated by reference. The straight insulation wrap 400may include any of the described features in the preceding figures.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a wrap with a cutout, for example for use with awater meter. The cutout wrap 500 is similar to the straight pipeinsulation wrap 400 as described above in FIG. 4. At least onedifference between FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is that FIG. 5 has a cutout 502 toaccommodate a water meter protruding through the insulation wrap 100.This cutout 502 may be circular 502 a, rectangular 502 b, or a variationthereof based on the type of equipment that is to be wrapped and thepenetration therein. This cutout wrap 500 may be used on other types ofequipment including but not limited to water meters that need access forviewing or actuation by the user. For instance, a valve may protrudethrough the hole created by the cutout 502 in order for a user on thewell site to be able to actuate the valve. This cutout 502 may providequick user access without having to remove the wrap. The size of thecutout 502 and the length and width of the cutout wrap 500 is dependentupon the type of fitting or equipment that it will be surrounding.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of a wrap with a housing 602 adapted toprotect a particular type of equipment, for example a check valve. FIG.6A is a top view, and FIG. 6B is a side view. The protective wrap 600 issimilar to the wrap in FIG. 4 with one exception being the housing 602.That housing covers a particular type of equipment (e.g., a check valve)to protect it from the environment and is shown in a center area of thewrap rather than on its periphery. This protective wrap 600 prevents theequipment from becoming damaged due to the environment, which in turnprevents a possible safety problem caused by the environment. The samefeatures as described above are available to the check valve wrap 600.FIG. 6B is a side view of the wrap with a housing 602. The housing 602is sized with respect to the physical size and configuration of theequipment to be protected.

The wrap may be enclosed in a detachable cover adapted to enclose morethan one adjoining wrap.

The reusable insulation wrap disclosed includes multiple configurationsadapted to engage a variety of piping elements including, but notlimited to, the 90 degree elbow wrap 200, the straight pipe wrap 400,the cutout wrap 500, and the check valve wrap 600. There are differenttypes of equipment, pipes, hoses, and fixtures for which the reusableinsulation wrap may be applied. The wrap may be used on rigid andsemi-rigid pipes, hoses, and fixtures and on flexible hoses and tubing.

The various embodiments disclosed and claimed enable a user to wrap avariety of articles including, but is not limited to, a pipe, a tube, ora hose, for the purposes of insulating and protecting the article fromtemperature fluctuations, moisture, and debris. Additionally, when auser needs access to the underlying article, the wrap is not damaged byremoval thus needing to be discarded and replaced with new insulation.These embodiments enable a user to quickly remove and reinstall the wrapwhile insulating and preventing damage to an underlying article.

The purpose of the abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and TrademarkOffice and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineersand practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legalterms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection thenature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Theabstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application,which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as tothe scope of the invention in any way.

While the invention has been shown, illustrated, described, anddisclosed in terms of specific embodiments or modifications, the scopeof the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the preciseembodiments or modifications therein shown, illustrated, described, ordisclosed. Such other embodiments or modifications are intended to bereserved especially as they fall within the scope of the claims hereinappended.

Having thus described the invention, we claim:
 1. A reusable insulationwrap comprising: a multilayer insulation member having at least onestretchable layer adapted to resist moisture having first and secondedges and sized to closely encircle an article, at least one insulativelayer, at least one reflective layer affixed to the at least oneinsulative layer, at least one protective layer adapted to be abrasionand moisture resistant to prevent damage to at least one of the at leastone stretchable layer, the at least one insulative layer, and the atleast one reflective layer, a flame retardant in at least one of the atleast one protective layer, the at least one stretchable layer, the atleast one insulative layer, and the at least one reflective layer, andultraviolet protectant in at least one of the at least one protectivelayer, the at least one stretchable layer, the at least one insulativelayer, and the at least one reflective layer; and a fastener adapted tocooperatively engage and maintain the reusable insulation wrap in adesired position on the article; whereby, the reusable insulation wrapis stretched around the article to fit snugly in place on the article.2. The reusable insulation wrap of claim 1 wherein the at least oneinsulative layer is relatively inelastic in comparison to the at leastone protective layer and the at least one stretchable layer.
 3. Thereusable insulation wrap of claim 1 wherein the reusable insulation wrapis flexible and the at least one protective layer is more elastic thanthe at least one insulative layer.
 4. The reusable insulation wrap ofclaim 1 wherein the fastener is adapted to open to provide a user withaccess to the article without damage to the multilayer insulationmember.
 5. The reusable insulation wrap of claim 1 wherein theinsulative layer is configured to be free-floating inside a pocketformed by the at least one protective layer.
 6. An apparatus comprising:a first outer protective layer configured to be abrasion and moistureresistant; an outer stretchable layer contactingly adjacent the firstouter protective layer, the outer stretchable layer configured to resistmoisture; a second outer protective layer contactingly adjacent theouter stretchable layer, the second outer protective layer and the firstouter protective layer are affixed on opposing sides of the outerstretchable layer to form an outer protective layer; an insulative layercontactingly adjacent the second outer protective layer, the insulativelayer configured to accommodate deformation of the outer stretchablelayer; a first inner protective layer contactingly adjacent theinsulative layer, the first inner protective layer configured to beabrasion and moisture resistant; an inner stretchable layer contactinglyadjacent the first inner protective layer, the inner stretchable layerconfigured to resist moisture and the inner stretchable layer is sizedto closely encircle an article, wherein the insulative layer isconfigured to accommodate deformation of the inner stretchable layer; asecond inner protective layer contactingly adjacent the innerstretchable layer, the second inner protective layer and the first innerprotective layer are affixed on opposing sides of the inner stretchablelayer to form an inner protective layer, wherein the outer protectivelayer and the inner protective layer surround the insulative layer onall sides, and the second inner protective layer is configured to fitsnugly contactingly adjacent the article; a first releasable fastener ona first connection edge of the outer protective layer; and a secondreleasable fastener on a second connection edge of the inner protectivelayer, where in a closed position the first releasable fastener and thesecond releasable fastener are configured to close the inner protectivelayer and the outer protective layer to insulate and protect thearticle, which restricts access of a user to the article, and in an openposition the first releasable fastener and the second releasablefastener are configured to open the inner protective layer and the outerprotective layer, which grants the user access to the article withoutdamage to the inner protective layer, the outer protective layer, andthe insulative layer.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the insulativelayer is configured to be free-floating inside a pocket formed by theouter protective layer and the inner protective layer.
 8. The apparatusof claim 6 where the apparatus is characterized as a reusable insulationwrap, and the first and second releasable fasteners have variableattachment points, whereby variations in size of the article andelasticity of the reusable insulation wrap are accommodated.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 6 where the apparatus characterized as a reusableinsulation wrap is one of a plurality of reusable insulation wraps,further comprising a detachable cover adapted to enclose more than oneadjoining reusable insulation wrap.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6 whereinthe outer protective layer and the inner protective layer are moreelastic than the insulative layer.